BEWDLEY notched up another victory, their ninth of the season, against a struggling Redditch in Worcestershire Division One.

Redditch chose to bat but were soon in trouble against Bewdley’s opening bowlers.

Joe Lucas returned to form with four good wickets, and Rob Crane (2-34) was rewarded for his nagging in-swing.

An added bonus was a rare appearance in the wickets column for Rob Combes (2-41).

Redditch were indebted to Tom Field who compiled a very good hundred.

Needing 215 to win, Bewdley began with an opening partnership of 67 between Paul Beard and Simon Mauger (23).

Victory was sealed with an unbeaten partnership of 103 between Beard and Gareth Lewis.

Lewis was in exceptional form, his 62 not out coming from 75 balls.

Beard was in more measured mood, but batted flawlessly for his 75 not out.

Bewdley sailed home with more than five overs to spare, and remain in fourth place.

They host second placed Droitwich on Saturday (1pm start).